NZ minister, former cricketer Fleming, to visit India to toughen trade ties

New Delhi: New Zealand Minister for primary industries, Nathan Guy, along with former skipper and Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming is leading a business delegation to Delhi and Mumbai this week to further strengthen trade ties ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

“New Zealand and India are both great cricketing nations. I am delighted to be leading this trade mission, and also to celebrate New Zealand’s hosting of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. New Zealand currently exports $594 million to India, but there is scope to grow the market,” said Guy.

Minister Guy will be accompanied by representatives from 15 New Zealand companies across a range of sectors including food and beverage, agribusiness, technology, tourism and sports. Guy, Fleming and the New Zealand trade delegation’s visit will further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

India is New Zealand’s fastest growing source of international students. It is also developing as a place for New Zealand firms to do business and visit. Tourist numbers to New Zealand from India increased by almost 20 per cent in the year to September 2014.

“On the cricket pitch we are fierce competitors, but our trade and business links with India are growing and important to our future,” says Guy.

India will play two World Cup games in New Zealand, against Ireland in Hamilton on March 10 and against Zimbabwe in Auckland on March 14. They may also play their quarterfinal or semi-final in the Kiwi land.